Aerial contaminants like germs, bacteria, unpleasant smells, and allergens can pose certain health issues. You may face asthma, pollen, or some other kind of allergy due to these contaminants. Therefore, you need to have good indoor air quality to keep yourself safe and air purifiers can help a great deal in this regard. However, the problem is that they are really expensive. But I, of course, am here to help and have selected some models out of which you can choose the best air purifier for smoke under 100 for yourself:
Our Best Air Purifiers for Smoke Under 100 In 2020
| PRODUCT | COVERAGE AREA | BEST FOR | HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
|
165 sq.ft. | Best Overall |
|
|
167 sq. ft. | Best Sanitizer |
|
 Hamilton Beach TrueAir |
160 sq. ft. | Best Budget Pick |
|
 VEVA 8000 Elite |
325 sq.ft. | Best Coverage Area |
|
1. Levoit LV-H 132
Highlighted Features
- 3-stage filtration system
- Filter replacement indicator
- Economical filter replacement
- HEPA filter
- One year warranty
- KitchenFaction Rating
This compact air purifier works at very low noise and purifies the air with its 3-stage filtration system.
Construction: This air purifier has 3-stage filtration that includes fine pre-filter, carbon filter, and HEPA filter. It has a compact design and can clear up a room up to 165 sq.ft. It features an in-built replacement indicator that informs you when the need for replacement arrives. It operates at very low noise and also features nightlight options that allow you to either increase the light or shut it off completely. It circulates room air almost 4 times per hour thus making the air clean at regular intervals.
Function: This air purifier can accomplish air cleaning tasks at a relatively low cost. The pre-filter removes all the large contaminants and hence allows the other two filters to work efficiently without losing time and power on the large particles. The carbon filter helps to remove unwanted odors, smoke, and volatile organic compounds generally known as VOCs. The HEPA filter removes the contaminants up to 0.3; including pet dander, allergens, mold, and much more. The nightlight options allow users to see the purifier easily in the evening by increasing the brightness, and it can even be turned off if you so desire.
The low-cost replacement can save you money while the quiet operation of this air purifier creates a fresh environment without any noise pollution.
Cleaning and maintenance: To clean this air purifier, you need to remove the front panel and then the three filters. You can remove the dust in the filters by vacuuming them. You can wash the pre-filter with cold water but the other two filters cannot be washed.
Pros
- Compact design
- Quiet operation
- Night light
- Cleans rooms up to 165 sq. ft.
Cons
- Carbon and HEPA filters cannot be washed
2. Germ Guardian
Highlighted Features
- 3-stage filtration system
- UV-C light
- Quiet operation
- 3-speed options
- 3 years warranty
Germ Guardian air purifier is really amazing as it helps kill airborne viruses to keep your room environment hygienic.
Construction: This air purifier features a 3-stage filtration system that includes pre-filter, activated charcoal filter, and HEPA filter. It also has an optional UV-C light that kills airborne viruses. It also has 3-speed options with the lowest one operating very quietly. It has the potential to circulate the room air 4 times an hour while it can work very well for smaller to larger rooms( about 167 sq.ft.). The three filters are enclosed in a fine case of plastic made of high-impact polystyrene.
Function: Germ Guardian air purifier’s 3-in-1 filtration ensures the complete elimination of harmful germs and unwanted smells or allergens. The pre-filter traps large contaminants like pet hair, dust, and others thus reducing the burden on HEPA filters. The activated charcoal filter fights the filthy odour from pets and smoke. The HEPA filter reduces all harmful germs up to 99.97 percent including dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. The UV-C light kills airborne viruses thus keeping your room’s air quality extremely hygienic. The three-speed options allow the users to operate this air purifier according to their wishes.
Cleaning and maintenance: Just like other air purifiers, Germ Guardian air purifiers can be cleaned very easily. All you need to do is to remove the front panel and the three filters. Then you need to remove the dust from the three filters by vacuuming them.
Pros
- Sanitizes the room
- Clears contaminants up to 0.3 microns
- Cleans rooms up to 167 sq. ft
- Removes up to 99.97% of contaminants
Cons
- Lacks filter change indicator
3. Hamilton Beach TrueAir
Highlighted Features
- HEPA filter
- Silent operation
- 3 speeds
- No replacement
- 160 sq.ft coverage area
This air purifier is amazing as its filter does not need replacement and thus saves you money in the long run.
Construction: This air purifier has a HEPA grade filter that is permanently fixed and does not need any replacement. It has a compact design and can be used both horizontally and vertically. Besides, it features three-speed settings with the lowest operating quietly. In addition, Hamilton Beach TrueAir air purifier can clean rooms up to 160 sq.ft.
Function: This air purifier is cost-effective due to the permanently fixed HEPA grade filter. HEPA filter purifies 99% of the pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and mold spores as tiny as 0.3 microns. Besides, its speed settings allow you to use it to either clean the room faster at higher speed or to keep it at low speed so that it can perform quietly.
Cleaning and maintenance: Unlike other air purifiers, this air purifier has a permanent HEPA filter that you can easily clean with a vacuum. After cleaning it, it will work perfectly fine, eliminating the need for replacing the HEPA filter.
Pros
- Dual positioning
- Easy to clean
- Permanent HEPA filter
- Compact design
Cons
- Produces noise at the highest speed
4. VEVA 8000 Elite
Highlighted Features
- HEPA filter
- 4 carbon filters
- Ozone free
- 3 fan-speed options
- 2-year warranty
This air purifier is really effective for those suffering from asthma or allergies as it removes germs and odors.
Construction: This air purifier has a premium quality HEPA filter along with four activated carbon pre-filters. Besides, it uses activated charcoal nano-technology to give fresh air to the room. It has a compact and sleek design and can be changed from a tower air purifier to a table-top air purifier by removing its base. It features a durable HEPA filter that only needs replacement in 6-12 months depending on its usage. It operates on ozone-free technology and is certified by ETL and it features 3 fan speed options with the lowest operating quietly.
Function: If you are facing problems like asthma or allergies then this air purifier might prove to be a savior for you as it removes all the germs and odor from your room with its 4 pre-filters and HEPA filter. The 4 carbon pre-filters remove the odors that are produced from smoking, cooking, and pet. The HEPA filter fights dust, allergens, germs, pollen, pet danders, and other harmful contaminants as tiny as 0.3 microns. The pre-filters reduce the burden on the HEPA filter thus enhancing its working life. It operates on Ozone-free technology thus eliminating any kind of potential risks and it automatically shuts off when the front panel is removed which makes it extremely safe for children.
Cleaning and maintenance: Cleaning of this air purifier is extremely easy as all you need to do is remove the front panel and detach all the filters including the HEPA filter. Then clear away the dust by vacuuming the filters.
Pros
- Clears rooms up to 325 sq.ft
- Affordable replacement
- Auto -shut off
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Noisy
5. AeraMax 100
Highlighted Features
- HEPA filter
- Carbon filter
- AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment
- 200 sq.ft. coverage area
- 3-year limited warranty
AeraMax 100 air purifier removes all aerial contaminants through its 4-stage filtration system.
Construction: This Air purifier has a 4-stage filtration system that includes a HEPA filter with AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment, a carbon filter, and an ionizer that operates on PlasmaTrue technology. Besides, it features an AeraSmart sensor and it is also certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to be asthma and allergy-friendly. It also has a filter indicator light and 3 fan speed options.
Function: This air purifier is one of the best purifiers under $100 as it removes all the contaminants with its 4-stage purification system. The carbon filter captures large particles like cigarette smoke, pet odor, and household odors. The HEPA filter removes the tiny particles up to 0.3 microns; including viruses, pollen, and pet dander. The AeraSafe antimicrobial technology kills odor-causing bacteria while the PlasmaTrue technology ionizes the air pollutants. The AeraSmart sensor indicates the air quality and adjusts the fan speed automatically.
Cleaning and maintenance: Cleaning of this air purifier is as easy as you like as all you need is to do is detach the front panel and the filters. And then clean the filters with a vacuum by removing the dust.
Pros
- AeraSmart sensor
- Large coverage area
- Optional ionizer
- Filter-change indicator
Cons
- Noisy at higher speed
6. Pure Enrichment PureZone
Highlighted Features
- 3-stage purification
- Build-in UV-C light
- Ozone free
- 5-year warranty
- Auto timer settings
Pure Enrichment air purifier justifies its name as it purifies the air through its Ozone free technology and removes all potential aerial threats.
Construction: The external case of this air purifier is made of plastic and it has a 3-stage filtration system that removes all potential aerial threats from your room. It has a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter. It features a built-in UV-C light that sanitizes the room and it operates without any ionizer or ozone generators. Besides, it has 3 auto-timer settings that help you save energy and it also features 3 fan-speed options.
Function: Pure Enrichment air purifier is named pure for a real reason as it purifies the room from all potential aerial threats like germs and dust, etc. The pre-filter helps remove the larger contaminants like pet hair and dust while the activated carbon filter fights unwanted odors like smoke and household odors. The True HEPA filter removes all the tiny contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, etc. Its built-in UV-C lights kill all the germs and sanitize the room while its ozone-free operation saves you from any potential risks. It allows the users to choose to set the automatic timer and hence save energy.
Cleaning and maintenance: You can clean the filters by vacuuming them and removing all the dust.
Pros
- Auto-timer setting
- 3 fan settings
- Easy to clean
- Ozone-free operation
Cons
- Small coverage area
7.Holmes Air Purifier
Highlighted Features
- HEPA type filtration
- 3-speed settings
- Dual positioning
- Optional ionizer
- 3-year limited warranty
Holmes air purifier is really amazing as it has a compact design and an optional ionizer besides the HEPA filter.
Construction: Holmes air purifier comprises HEPA type filtration; including a carbon filter, and customizable smoke grabber, odor eliminator, and allergen remover. It features three-speed settings with the lowest operating quietly. It has a compact design and can be placed both horizontally and vertically. Besides, it features an optional ionizer as well. And the replacement cost of the filter is also very low thus making it cost-effective.
Function: This air purifier eliminates all the potentially harmful and unpleasant particles from the air through its HEPA and other customizable filters. The HEPA filter removes the tiny aerial contaminants like dust, pet dander, and germs while the odor eliminator removes the filthy smell. Smoke grabber is really helpful for those having asthma problems. It removes all the smoke and allergen remover helps reduce the risk of allergies. The 3-speed settings allow you to choose the option according to your needs while the Ionizer improves the performance of the air purifier while freshening the air.
Cleaning and maintenance: The HEPA filter works better when it is clean and free of dust and other particles. Therefore, you need to vacuum it every now and then to enhance its working ability. The carbon filter can be cleaned by placing it in the sun for 2-3 hours as the carbon filter only captures the odors.
Pros
- Compact design
- Quiet operation
- Low replacement cost
- Removes up to 99% of contaminants
Cons
- Small coverage area
8. GENII Air Purifier
Highlighted Features
- 3-stage filtration system
- Optional night light
- Silent operation
- BPA-free
- Two-year warranty
This air purifier is really handy as it offers beneficial features at an affordable cost.
Construction: The outer case of this air purifier is made of BPA-free plastic while it purifies the air through its 3-stage purification system i-e pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a HEPA filter. It features a built-in cozy night light that can be turned off. It has three fan speed levels and it operates quietly. Its operation is completely ozone-free and it is certified by ARB. It has a built-in filter change reminder that reminds you when the replacement is due.
Function: This sleek and compact air purifier is really efficient as it removes all the aerial contaminants with its 3-stage purification system. The fine pre-filter removes all the larger contaminants that include dust and pet hair etc. while the activated carbon filter eliminates the germs and odors. The HEPA filter catches all the tiny contaminants like dust, smoke, and allergens, making the air fresh and hygienic. The dim night light makes it visible but you can turn it off if you want to. Its silent operation ensures a noise-free environment.
Cleaning and maintenance: Well, you can clean the pre-filter by vacuuming it or by washing it if it has accumulated a lot of dust. The HEPA filter and carbon filter are not washable so you would need to vacuum them.
Pros
- Kids friendly
- Beautiful design
- Beneficial for Asthma patients
- Certified by ARB
Cons
- Creates noise at higher operation
Things To Look For Before Buying!
Different air purifiers are available in the market, but not all of them are economical and efficient. Therefore, you need to update your knowledge pertaining to air purifiers so you can look for the one that has all that you need.
Ideally, an efficient air purifier should have:
- Efficient filtration system
- A True HEPA filter
- Enough coverage area
- Low replacement cost
Buying Guide
What Are Some Things You Should Know About An Air Purifier?
Air quality deteriorates due to increased smoking trends, keeping pets, and indoor cooking. Many manufacturers have designed different kinds of air purifiers to cope with this problem. An air purifier operates with the help of filtering technology to remove aerial contaminants and improve overall indoor air quality. However, not all of them are effective as some are too expensive to afford while others lack an efficient filtration system. Therefore, you need to update yourself about air purifiers and know about their important features. Some general, important things that we’ll look into are:
- Filtration system
- Affordable replacement filter
- Warranty
- Cleaning area
What Should Be The Filtration System Of An Air Purifier?
Ideally, there should be a three-stage filtration system as it is the case in most of the products that have been reviewed. And there should be a HEPA filter that is crucial to the effective functioning of an air purifier. In addition, there should be a pre-filter that removes the larger contaminants and eases the burden on the HEPA filter. Besides, an activated carbon filter really improves air quality as it removes all the volatile organic compounds.
What Should Be The Cost Of The Replacement Of The Filters?
Well, it largely depends on how much you are using the filters; however, it should not be too expensive as you need to replace the filters after 6-8 months. The annual maintenance cost should be something around $25 to $35, which it is my best pick.
What Should Be The Warranty Of An Air Purifier?
It almost always depends on the will of the manufacturer as well as on the material of the air purifier. Low-cost air purifiers may not be made of high-quality material, therefore, if the manufacturer is ready to offer you a warranty, then you should buy it. And the warranty should be at least somewhere between 2-3 years for the air purifiers under $100.
How Much Should Be The Coverage Area Of An Air Purifier?
Unfortunately, low-cost air purifiers are usually designed for small rooms or for immediate surroundings only. But you need to check the coverage area of an air purifier before buying it. It should be at least somewhere around 160-180 sq.ft. This coverage area will justify the money you’ll spend on it.
What Is The Importance Of An Air Purifier?
The importance of air purifiers has dramatically increased in modern times due to the increased indoor activities that pollute air quality. Many people smoke, which has a negative impact on air quality, while some people own pets that pollute the indoor air quality with their dander. Therefore, air purifiers are the sole option to keep your indoor air safe and fresh. In addition, air purifiers fight pollen and other allergens that tend to increase in the spring especially. Besides, they remove dust and odors that are usually produced from indoor cooking activities or due to living beside industrial areas.
Air purifiers also kill airborne viruses with UV-C light thus keeping the environment clean and hygienic. Hence, air purifiers are really crucial as they protect you and your children from potentially harmful aerial particles or contaminants.
What Are The Different Types Of Air Purifiers?
Activated Carbon filters: Activated Carbon filters remove the filthy smells from your room, thus making your room smell better. Activated carbon filters trap gasses like smoke, chemicals, and odours with the help of their special absorbent pores. And they get rid of these gases by releasing a carbon element.
HEPA Filters: HEPA is an acronym for High-Efficiency Particulate Air and HEPA filters usually fight contaminants as tiny as 0.3 microns that include dust, germs, and other allergies. HEPA filters trap the aerial contaminants up to 99.97% with their complex web of fibres.
UV-C light filters: Ultraviolet C radiations are the most powerful anti-germ filters due to their short wavelength. They are necessary as they kill airborne viruses, bacteria, and mould, thereby making your indoor environment healthy and hygienic.
How Long Should You Run An Air Purifier For?
The extraction rate defines the amount of air the air purifier can clean in an hour. An average unit has a low extraction rate and the clean air may take time to surround your room, but you can run your air purifier for about 10-12 hours a day. It must be stressed, however, that the runtime depends on what type of model and what type of air purifier you are using.
Can I Leave My Air Purifier On All The Time?
If you are concerned about the energy that it may use then you can turn the fan speed to low. It is safe to say that air purifiers use about the same amount of energy that a normal computer may use. However, you can’t just run your air purifiers for a small amount of time and expect your air to remain clean. That is just not possible.
How Often Should You Replace The Filters Of An Air Purifier?
The pre-filters need to be changed every 4-5 months and the HEPA filters every 2 to 4 years. Well, how often you should replace the filters depends entirely on the usage of a fireplace, the amount of tobacco smoke, etc. Someone having severe allergies and asthma needs to be particularly cautious about it.
Is It Safe To Sleep While The Air Purifier Is On?
There are some tests that have been conducted that have shown that the activated carbon filters reduce the formaldehyde and other VOCs. As pollutants can build up inside the house, there seems to be little sense in turning your air purifier off while you are sleeping.
In How Much Time Can The Air Purifier Clean A Room?
It takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours for an air purifier to clean a room. In order for you to find a better estimation of how much time might be needed to purify a particular room, you need to factor in the air purifier’s purifying coverage, the size of the room, and the speed of the fan on which the unit will be running.
How To Maintain Air Purifiers?
Air purifiers can be easily cleaned and maintained. For their cleaning, remove their front panel and all the filters; including pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and HEPA filter. Clean them by vacuuming them thoroughly, which will remove the dust. You can also wash the pre-filter gently with cold water if the dust still remains even after vacuuming it. You also need to remove the dust from the particle sensor with the help of cotton. Besides, you should replace the filters once their replacement is due, usually after 6-8 months.
Conclusion
That’s it, folks! All of the reviewed products are efficient and economical but the Levoit air purifier is really amazing as it has a low replacement cost and an efficient filtration system, which makes it my personal favorite.